In this column, we'll discuss how the Pelicans can make the NBA playoffs this season. New Orleans could compete for the 7th or 8th seed in the Western Conference if they put the following starters on the floor.

Williams will join Syracuse University head coach Jim Boeheim and Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau as assistants on Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski’s staff.

Krzyzewski has coached Team USA since 2006 and has led the Americans to a 62-1 record and back-to-back Olympic Gold Medals in 2008 and 2012.

The trio of assistants will assist Coach K through the 2014 FIBA Bastebball World Cup in Spain, the 2015 FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament and if Team USA qualifies, the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“The players love playing for [Williams],” said Krzyzewski. “I actually know him some because he is a very close friend of Grant Hill. I’ve met him a number of times, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Williams played in two tournaments as a member of USA Basketball in 1993. In the USA 22 & Under World Championship Qualifying Team, he averaged 5.5 ppg. and assisted the U.S. to a 6-1 record, the silver medal, and a qualifying berth for the FIBA 22 & Under World Championship. At the 1993 FIBA 22 & Under World Championship he averaged 5.8 points and 3.5 rebounds a game as the U.S. finished a perfect 8-0 record to win the gold medal.

Now, the fourth-year head coach of the Pelicans rejoins Team USA on the bench.

“I want to thank [USA Basketball Chairman] Mr. [Jerry] Colangelo for his confidence in me and I am truly honored and looking forward to working on Coach K’s staff,” said Williams. “For me to be involved as an assistant coach for USA Basketball where I can represent my country is a privilege and the ultimate honor. I was fortunate back in the early '90s to be on the USA 22-and-under roster where we won the gold medal in Spain, and I felt a tremendous amount of pride. With this honor, I feel the same sense of pride again for my country, but I also want to make the Benson’s, Pelican organization, New Orleans community and my family proud.”